Tottenham Hotspur are currently fifth in the Premier League table with just four games left to play.

However, Spurs‘ hopes of breaking into the top four are now hanging by a thread after losing their last three.

Tottenham are now seven points adrift of fourth-placed Aston Villa – albeit with a game in hand – and, barring a miracle, top-four may now be a bridge too far.

Spurs were quick out of the starting blocks this season and there was a point when they looked like potential dark horses for the Premier League title.

Even when Tottenham’s title-challenging form deserted them, they still looked good value to finish in the top four.

However, a downturn in form over the past few weeks has left Spurs hoping for a miracle if they are to leapfrog Villa.

Jamie Carragher has now given his verdict on Tottenham’s top-four chances, in conversation with An Echo of Glory podcast.

What has Jamie Carragher said about Tottenham’s chances of finishing in the Premier League’s top four?

Carragher believes Spurs have almost certainly blown it, but reckons they have surprised many by being in top-four contention so late on in the season anyway.

“I think it’s going to be difficult to be better than where you are now when you look at the league,” said Carragher.

“I don’t think many people would have thought that Tottenham would be in the top four, but it’s probably gone now, I would say, on the back of last night.

“You have obviously got tough fixtures as well, you know, going to Anfield which won’t be easy, obviously Manchester City to come as well.”

Tottenham must build on decent enough first season under Ange Postecoglou

Though it’s a shame to see Tottenham all-but fall out of Champions League contention, things have certainly improved from last season’s dismal eighth-placed finish.

Postecoglou is a good manager who got Spurs punching above their weight for much of the season. And even though the team now looks out of gas, there’s certainly plenty to build on.

A Europa League spot wouldn’t necessarily be a bad thing. It would be a return to Europe and it wouldn’t be as daunting, in terms of opposition, as the Champions League.

It’s worth remembering that Manchester United and Newcastle United got in the Champions League last term, but they’ve not exactly kicked on since then.

The important thing is for Spurs to keep building, bring in more great players and top talents, and offload those who aren’t up to it.